Today's News from the Lawmakers
FULL MILITARY HONORS ACT INTRODUCED
Jimmy Panetta (D-CA, 20th)
February 6, 2019
"This legislation provides Medal of Honor and Prisoners Of War heroes the recognition they deserve for their unwavering service to our country. Full military honors ceremonies remind us of the service and valor demonstrated by those who have defended, protected, and sacrificed for freedom and democracy. I am humbled and honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my servicemember and veteran colleagues"
Perry Offers Bipartisan Legislation to End Female Genital Mutilation in US
Scott Perry (R-PA, 4th)
February 6, 2019
“Now’s the time to stand up for the voiceless and criminalize the horrific practice of Female Genital Mutilation. FGM has absolutely no place in America - or any other place in this world. FGM is an unconscionable, systematic form of abuse perpetuated against the youngest and most vulnerable among us and serves no medical purpose. The recent federal court ruling in Michigan has, once again, brought this issue to the forefront. As our society becomes more transient and diverse, renewed efforts to prevent this atrocity are necessary. In no uncertain terms, FGM must end immediately and those who perpetrate it will be brought to swift justice in the United States,” said Perry.
QUIGLEY REINTRODUCES BIPARTISAN "GREAT LAKES FISHERY RESEARCH AUTHORIZATION ACT"
Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5th)
February 6, 2019
“It is no surprise that the Great Lakes fishery industry, which generates $7 billion in economic activity and supports 1.5 million jobs, requires cutting-edge research and adequate funding for proper maintenance and preservation,” said Rep. Quigley. “By reintroducing the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act, we are working to protect the waterways that play an invaluable role in our economies, our ecosystems, and our communities—whether it be providing clean drinking water or recreational activities. We must ensure that the USGS Great Lakes Science Center has the tools, resources, and authority it needs to fulfill its vital work.”
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DURING HEARING, O'HALLERAN CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF FREE AND OPEN INTERNET
Senator Tim Scott - (R - SC)
February 7, 2019
“In this highly connected, fast-paced world, the quality and accessibility of internet is critical to the lasting success of small businesses – especially in rural America,” O’Halleran said. “We have a responsibility to support our communities and grow our economy. We can do that by protecting and strengthening net neutrality rules that prevent Internet Service Providers from throttling access and give consumers the privacy and security they deserve. There is bipartisan support in Congress to do this, and I stand ready to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to deliver results for American businesses and consumers.”
Reps. Peters and Davis Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Rising Student Loan Debt
Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd)
February 7, 2019
“I relied on student loans to get through college when the cost of higher education was much lower than it is today. Now, the collective debt among people in the U.S. is more than $1.5 trillion dollars, which hurts economic growth,” said Rep. Peters. “Many employers have successfully helped their employees pay down their debt, and encouraging similar programs across the country can move us closer to solving the student debt crisis. Our economy benefits, too, when young Americans begin making investments like buying a home, starting a family, or saving for retirement. I appreciate Rep. Davis’s commitment to tackling this important issue.”
Tester, Murkowski, Pingree Reintroduce Bill to Support Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
February 7, 2019
Their Servicemember and Veterans’ Empowerment and Support Act expands the definition of MST to ensure servicemembers and veterans who experience online sexual harassment can access VA counseling and benefits. It also codifies a lower burden of proof so more survivors are eligible for trauma and mental health care related to MST, even if they didn’t feel comfortable reporting the event to their chain of command while in service.
Pingree Statement on Introduction of Green New Deal Resolution
Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
February 7, 2019
“The Green New Deal sets a bold vision for dealing with the climate change crisis, which will soon escalate into a full-blown disaster if we don’t make the kinds of changes outlined in this plan. There are many good ideas in this resolution, but this is just the first step in the process,” said Pingree. "There is a lot of work to be done in the days ahead to iron out the details, like opportunities to work with farmers to trap more carbon in the soil. But I’m confident that we can pass something in the House and send it to the Senate, because the American people have demanded action.”
Pocan, Kaptur Introduce Legislation to Protect Americans from Prescription Drug Price Gouging
Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)
February 7, 2019
“Despite President Trump claiming victory on declining prescription drug prices, the costs of many drugs are still skyrocketing and becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Americans,” said Pocan. “The Stop Price Gouging Act will hold corporations accountable and protect consumers from egregious year-after-year price spikes that are far too common. While American families struggle over whether to pay an electric bill or buy life-saving medications, drug manufacturers and CEOs should not be making excessive profits. Members of Congress should immediately support this legislation and deliver results for the American people who are being hit with outrageous drug prices daily.”
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